Richard T Markel

Richard T. Markel, age 76 of Park River, ND passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks. Richard Thomas Markel was born January 24, 1933 in St. Thomas, ND the son of the late John and Jenny (Herfindahl) Markel. He grew up and attended school there. Following his education he served in the United States Army serving in Korea. Following his discharge he returned home where he worked as farm labor in the Hoople area. Richard was united in marriage o Doris M. Martineau on April 3, 1959 in Crystal, ND. The couple lived in the Hoople area for a time then moved to Grafton where Richard drove semi for H.E. Everson's. He later worked for Melvin's Furniture. The couple moved to Pembina, ND where they owned and operated the grocery store. They later moved to Henning, MN where they owned and operated a furniture store. In1978 they moved to Park River and operated a furniture store. He then worked at the Developmental Center in Grafton for 16 years. He also did carpentry work on the side during his time in Park River. Richard was a member of the Park River Federated Church. He is survived by his wife Doris of Park River, ND; children: Kelly (Ron) Anderson, Grand Forks, ND; Wade (Kathy) Markel, Grafton, ND; Bonnie (Dan) Howland, Sacramento, CA; six grandchildren, four great grandchildren; siblings: Howard Markel, Bemidji, MN; Jane Huber, Valley City, ND; Georgann (Jerry) Switts, Fargo, ND; Donna (Ralph) Hiken, Columbus, MT. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Charlie, Stanley, Joe and Roy and sisters: Esther Braddock and Phyllis Johnson. Funeral services will be Monday, October 19, 2009 at 2:00 PM at the Park River Federated Church. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Park River, ND. Military rites will be provided by the Paul Farup American Legion Post of Park River.